Police records in Mandi Bahauddin show no prior case or complaint against Zeeshan Arshad, the domestic worker named the prime suspect, and people who knew him there describe him differently from how police have portrayed him in public statements. Rawalpindi police investigating the murder of 45-year-old Hina Javed have named Zeeshan Arshad, a domestic worker employed at her house, as the prime suspect.
The investigation team has publicly described him as having criminal tendencies and has alleged that he was involved in illegal and "unnatural" activities. The available record at Miana Gondal police station contains no previous case or complaint against Zeeshan Arshad, and local police did not confirm the existence of any such record.
A local police official stated that the team investigating the murder had not contacted them. It could not be established how far the investigation team examined Zeeshan's background, or what other sources it relied on for its description of his past.
Qari Mushtaq, a teacher at the religious seminary where Zeeshan studied for about 2 to 2.5 years, said he did not believe Zeeshan had been involved in immoral activities, or that he was capable of committing such a serious crime. Anas, a shopkeeper who has known Zeeshan for about 5 years, disputed the police's claim that Zeeshan had sent inappropriate material to friends.
Muhammad Rafiq Bhatti, a retired Pakistan Air Force (PAF) serviceman, stated he had known Zeeshan since childhood and never received a complaint about his conduct. Other local residents, including bookshop owner Muhammad Saleem and local councillor Muhammad Mansha, also vouched for his character.
Tasawwar, who arranged Zeeshan's employment at Hina Javed's house, stated that Zeeshan was employed only after necessary checks were completed. Police have named Zeeshan as the prime suspect on the basis of what they describe as his past tendencies and forensic reports, and say he has confessed to several crimes.
The forensic reports have not been made public, and the victim's family has demanded their release. Nearly 3 months after the murder, the police have yet to submit a formal charge sheet.
Legal experts suggest that the lack of a prior criminal record in his home district raises questions about the narrative presented by the investigation team. The discrepancy between the police's public statements and the lack of documented evidence has caused concern among the local community.
The family of Hina Javed continues to seek justice, emphasizing that the delay in the submission of the charge sheet is hindering the judicial process. They have urged the authorities to ensure transparency in the investigation.
As the case proceeds, the defense is expected to challenge the police's claims regarding Zeeshan's character. The court's decision on the admissibility of the forensic reports will be a critical turning point in the trial.
Probes Pakistan will continue to monitor the developments in this case as the investigation team prepares to present its findings to the court.